On the 12th April, shortly after midnight, signal-guns were reported to have been heard in the direction of the north end of the Goodwin Sands. The Ramsgate Life-boat, the Bradford, in. tow of the Vulcan steam-tug, at once pro- ceeded to sea, and on arrival at the N.W.

Spit, observed a vessel ashore. The Life- boat was then slipped, and made sail for her, the anchor was let go, and the boat hauled alongside. She was then bumping heavily on the sand, and it was thought she would become a total wreck.

By dint of great exertion, however,and with the aid of the Life-boat and a Ramsgate lugger, a stout hawser was passed from the tug to the vessel, and the crews of the Life-boat and lugger set to work at the pumps, when after a while they succeeded in floating her, and taking her and her crew in safety to Ramsgate. She was found to be the brig Belfort, of Rochelle.